Milan - Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

French modern aluminum table ashtray Ray Hollis by Philippe Starck, 1990s Fantastic and iconic table ashtray mod. Ray Hollis with rectangular aluminum base...

This splendid porcelain vase depicts a majestic leopard in striking realism amidst tropical fauna in burgundy red and dark green. Part of the Animalia series from the Grand Tour Collection...

1970s Gorgeous smoking set by Pierre Cardin in brass and metal. Made in France. The table lighter works. This smoking set is in excellent condition and it's signed Dimension : Tab...

The cylindrical design of this porcelain vase is elevated and made unique by the application of a contemporary and unique decoration. Black dragon pool...

Dishes from the 'Fantasia Italiana' series designed by Gio Ponti for a Ceramiche Franco Pozzi production in 1967. Made of ceramic with polychrome geometric decorations, they feature ...

Whisky glass in blown in a mold glass. Aldo collection is a family of glassware for tasting liqueurs. The handy and slightly flared shape allows to perc...

Handmade in Italy, 1970s. This jug is made in Rimini blue lacquered ceramic. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excell...

Acquareccia plate Patanazzi workshop Urbino, last quarter of the 16th century It measures diameter 17.12 in; foot diameter 11.53 in; height 1.88 in (43.5 cm; 29.3 cm; 4.8 cm). Weight State of conservation: wear and a few small minimal detachments of enamel, chipping on the raised areas, peeling of enamel at the brim on the back. This large, shallow basin is equipped with a wide and convex well. It is umbonate with a contoured center. The brim, short and flat, is enclosed in a double rounded and barely raised edge. The basin has a flat base without rims; it has a slightly concave center in correspondence to the well. The shape takes inspiration from the basins associated with the metal forged amphora pourers that traditionally adorned the credenza. These were used from the Middle Ages to wash hands during banquets. Two or three people washed their hands in the same basin and it was considered an honor to wash one’s hands with an illustrious person. The decoration is arranged in concentric bands with, in the center of the umbo, an unidentified shield on a blue background: an oval banded in gold with a blue head, a gold star and a field with a burning pitcher. Rings of faux pods separate the center from a series of grotesque motifs of small birds and masks. These go around the basin and are, in fact, faithfully repeated on the brim. The main decoration develops inside the flounce of the basin, which sees alternating symmetrical figures of winged harpies and chimeras. The ornamentation, outlined in orange, green and blue, stands out against the white enamel background. This decorative style, defined since the Renaissance as “grottesche” or “raffaellesche”, refers to the decorations introduced after the discovery of the paintings of the Domus Aurea towards the end of the fifteenth century. The discovery of Nero's palace, buried inside Colle Oppio by damnatio memoriae, occurred by chance when a young Roman, in 1480, fell into a large crack which had opened in the ground on the hill, thus finding himself in a cave with walls covered with painted figures. The great artists present in the papal city, including Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, Raffaello, immediately visited these caves. The decorations found there soon became a decorative subject of immense success: the term grotesque , with the meaning of “unusual,” “caricatured,” or “monstrous,” was later commented by Vasari in 1550 as “una spezie di pittura licenziose e ridicole molto”( “a very licentious and ridiculous kind of painting”). The decorations “a grottesche” also widely circulated in ceramic factories, through the use of engravings, variously interpreted according to the creativity of the artists or the requests of the client. Our basin is reflected in similar artifacts produced at the end of the sixteenth century by the factories of the Urbino district. See the series of basins preserved in the main French museums, among which the closest in morphology is that of the Campana collection of the Louvre (Inv. OA1496); this however has a more complex figure decoration, while the decoration of our specimen is sober and with a watercolor style. The style, sure in its execution, approaches decorative results still close to the works produced around the middle of the sixteenth century by the Fontana workshop. The decoration is closely linked to their taste, which later finds its natural outlet, through the work of Antonio, also in the Patanazzi workshop. Studies show the contiguity between the two workshops due to the kinship and collaboration between the masters Orazio Fontana and Antonio Patanazzi, both trained in the workshop of Guido Fontana il Durantino. It is therefore almost natural that their works, often created according to similar typologies and under the aegis of the same commissions, are not always easily distinguishable, so much so that the presence of historiated or “grottesche” works by Orazio is documented and preserved in Antonio Patanazzi's workshop. Given that the studies have always emphasized the collaboration between several hands in the context of the shops, it is known that the most ancient “grottesche” works thus far known, can be dated from 1560, when the Fontana shop created the so-called Servizio Spagnolo (Spanish Service) and how, from that moment on, this ornamentation became one of the most requested by high-ranking clients. We remember the works created for the Granduchi di Toscana, when Flaminio Fontana along with his uncle Orazio supplied ceramics to Florence, and, later, other commissions of considerable importance: those for the service of the Duchi d’Este or for the Messina Farmacia of Roccavaldina, associated with the Patanazzi workshop when, now after 1580, Antonio Patanazzi began to sign his own work. Thus, in our basin, the presence of masks hanging from garlands, a theme of more ancient memory, is associated in the work with more advanced stylistic motifs, such as the hatching of the chimeras and harpies. These are found here on the front with the wings painted in two ornate ways. In addition, the theme of the birds on the edge completes the decoration along the thin brim and can be seen as representing an early style typical of the Urbino district during a period of activity and collaboration between the two workshops. Later, a more “doll-like” decorative choice, typical of the end of the century and the beginning of the seventeenth century, characterized the period of the Patanazzi workshop under the direction of Francesco. Bibliography: Philippe Morel, Il funzionamento simbolico e la critica delle grottesche nella seconda metà del Cinquecento, in: Marcello Fagiolo, (a cura di), Roma e...

Sterling silver sugar bowl in the form of a small bucket, from which a curious bunny playfully peeks out. Entirely handcrafted by the artisan silversmith atelier Fratelli Lisi in Flo...

Designed as part of a collection for the Venice Biennale, the Ice Cooler epitomizes Natalia Criado’s fusion of Colombian symbolism and Italian artistry. The "exotic" three feet that ...

This magnificent bowl with lid and base is entirely made in silver and was specifically designed to store and serve caviar. Its Classic shape is adorned with Renaissance-inspired dec...

Inspired by the highest mountain of the Alps, the Mont Blanc, this collection of plates is a photography of the changing seasons. Winter is here and a...

Imagine sipping your warm drink from this elegant, eighteenth-century style decorated mug, crafted from the most exquisite porcelain. Whether it be a gift for yourself or someone els...

This centerpiece has a striking appearance and is constructed from three main components. The base and stand are in 24-karat gold-plated brass. Sitting on top of the base is a decora...

Large Murano Glass Plate Italy 1940s.       

The face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, reinterpreted by Piero Fornasetti, embellishes this hand-decorated porcelain ashtray, part of the iconic Tema e Variazioni series: an everyda...

This superb champagne bucket is characterized by a lustrous finish, timeless elegance, and sleek proportions. Rising from an octagonal base, the bowl retains the geometric form marke...

Made in Italy, 1950s. This ashtray / catchall is made in Bizantine zanfirico murano glass with murrines. It is a "Tutti frutti" model, n° 12065. It is published on a catalogue. This ...

Many are the different types of glass created by master makers on the Venetian island of Murano. From air-thin vases to expressive sculptures, also massive objects with deep and vivi...

Superb thermos designed and produced by Cartier in the early 1900s, hallmarked. The thermos is made entirely of 925 sterling silver. The thermos is cylindrical in shape, the base is ...

Part of the Serpentine collection, designed by master glassmaker Simone Crestani, this ashtray is inspired by the symbolism and mesmerizing charm of the snake. Handcrafted entirely o...

A set of two porcelain pocket emptiers/ashtray with a classic shape and unique printed design. This two pieces celebrates the eternal city of Rome through a meticulous and exquisite ...

1960s Astonishing Big Blue Bowl or Catchall By Flavio Poli in Murano glass. This is a unique piece a true sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 6,29" diameter ...

Carafe made in blown in a mold glass. The Tulip collection is a glassware family by Aldo Cibic, who designed these pieces walking the line between classical and postmodern design. Th...

Ercole Barovier Crepuscolo vase for Ferro Toso Barovier, Italy, 1936.

Soliflore Murano Glass Vase attributed to Ettore Sottsass for Vistosi.

Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...

Sterling silver cabbage-box made entirely handcrafted by expert silversmiths, the Lisi Brothers, in Florence. Its dynamic and detailed quality make it i...

A unique and rare dinner service by Wifredo Lam. The dinner set consists of: One soup tureen. Three large serving dishes. One small serving dish. One salad bowl. 12 flat dishes...

Antique soup or punch ladle in silver and gilding. The handle, made of bone, is decorated on both sides. Signed M & S. In 1858, George Adam Scheid came to Vienna and entered the work...

1970s Astonishing set of six Murano glasses by Nason. Made in Italy. It's signed with the Nason label (the label on the glass is removable). The Items are in in excellent condition ...

Traditional lines modern sophistication merge in this spectacular set of six champagne glasses, defined by a sublime combination of gold and pink in a stupendously polished design. Handcrafted of crystal and decorated by hand, each piece features a golden base and stem completed with sinuous and grooved upper end supporting a sleek, pink cup...

This stunning set of six dinner plates is elegant and modern, boasting a striking decoration designed by iconic master Gio Ponti in 1926. Part of the Labirinto collection, which mean...

Huge "Tasca" porcelain vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal. Matte finish and still contemporary shape.

From stellar kitchens to the table. The Memory bowl is an ancestral reminder, a symbol of the vital relationship between people and food. As necessary as i...

Guido Andlovitz porcelain tea cup service, 1930, Italy.

Beautiful hammered copper vase designed by Gio Ponti and executed by Nino Ferrari for Casa & Giardino, Italy, 1930s.

This large fruit bowl is part of the brand's Ceselli line, which features ornately chiseled decorative motifs. This bowl is perfect as a display objec...

Antique Milanese silver oil cruet consisting of an oval tray supported by four cast zoomorphic paw shaped feet; the edge of the tray is a ribbon decorated by...

Bianco Arabescato Amaltea by Ivan Colominas Dimensions: 36.5 x 10 cm Materials: Bianco Arabescato Also available: different marbles. The collection is a tribute to one of It...

Guido Cacciapuoti.

This striking vase has a simple, rectangular shape, highlighted with a brass strip at the bottom and two different solid finishes, one large strip in pink and a vivid red top. The pi...

Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects that characterise the exploration of one of the greatest pleasures afforded us, food.  Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food...

Barovier & Toso - frame brass Murano glass, 1940, Italy. Firmata sull metallo

The art of the table is manifested in this hand-decorated porcelain centrepiece with gold accents: Fornasetti's unmistakable decorative style makes it a true collector's item. Any...

Made in Italy, 1980s. The drinking glasses are made in hand-blown Murano glass. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considered as in e...

Ottaviani box silver 925 wood, 1960, Italy.

Silver cutlery service consisting of 165 pieces. The service consists of initialed cutlery made entirely of silver including 18 spoons, 24 forks, 12 teaspoons, 18 small forks, 18 sma...

This striking vase in white clay has a simple cylindrical shape with a white finish, and a central area decorated with a series of multicolored rings...

Borek Sipek whimsical red blown glass serving dish Signed Borek Sipek.

This Italian porcelain sculpture is part of Grand Tour by Vito Nesta. Made in Capodimonte porcelain with a glossy and iridescent finish. This ...

The Rimini standing ashtray features a structure made of metal and marble combined, both available in different finishes. With its clean lines and materials that create eye-pleasing ...

The cabinet de Curiosités collection takes inspiration from the rooms of the same name which in the sixteenth century collected objects and subjects of various kinds. In this collect...

Maria Pergay Pressed Glass Decanter with "Bord Flammes" Decoration in Silvered Brass, France 1960s

Made in Italy, 1980s. These six wine glasses are made in multicolored Murano glass. They are vintage, therefore they might show slight traces of use, but they can be considered as i...

Made in Italy, 1960s. This ashtray / catchall is made in Murano glass. It is a "Tutti frutti" model. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can...

This stunning set of two espresso cups with lids and saucers is a superb interpretation of a staple in any Italian tableware collection. Crafted...

Pebbled black Aida leather - enriched with hand-sewn ivory stitchings - envelops the sides of this precious and minimalist rectangular tray in fine Amara ebony. Clean-lined handles i...

This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Adamo. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes ...

Set of five large apothecary-herbalist jars in white ceramic with cobalt blue writing, to contain Dioica, Nettle (Urtica Dioica), Aromatic Calamus (Acorus calamus), Raspberry (Rubus ...